The day of Diwali is celebrated in Sikhism as “Bandi Chhor Divas” — the Day of Liberation. The story behind this festival is truly fascinating. It is said that due to the growing influence of Sikhism, Emperor Jahangir imprisoned the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, in the Gwalior Fort, where 52 Hindu kings were already held captive. Coincidentally, soon after imprisoning Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Jahangir fell seriously ill. Despite several treatments, his health did not improve. His Qazi (religious advisor) advised him that he had fallen ill because he had imprisoned a true saint of God. The Qazi told him that he would only recover if he released Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji immediately. Following this advice, Jahangir ordered the Guru’s release. However, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji refused to leave the prison alone. He said that he would only go free if all 52 Hindu kings imprisoned with him were also released. Seeing the Guru’s determination, Jahangir agreed but placed one condition — only those kings who could hold onto the Guru’s robe or body could leave the fort. Thinking that not many kings could touch the Guru at once, Jahangir expected most of them to remain imprisoned. But the Guru had a special robe stitched with 52 tassels (panes) so that each king could hold onto one tassel. In this miraculous way, all 52 kings walked free along with the Guru. When Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji returned to Amritsar, the entire city lit lamps to welcome him. From then on, this day has been celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, symbolizing freedom, light, and the victory of truth over tyranny.
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